Going fishing locally with kids

I was wondering if anyone knows of local places to take kids fishing. Preferably a lake more than the ocean. I'd be happy to do a stocked lake too so the kids get some action.

Maybe not what you have in mind, but people fish at the reservoir on Cherry Lane and at the lake in Verona.

Spruce Run State Park is about 45 minutes west on 78, huge reservoir. Exit for 31 north. Well marked signs to the entrance from the exit.

Water level is high right now so its easy to walk down to the edge to fish without getting muddy. They also rent boats, but Im not sure when that concession opens. We went with some four year olds last fall and caught some pan fish after a few casts.  They also offer overnight camping for $20 a night, have playgrounds and there is a beach. Actually a pretty nice place to visit. 

One word of advice, don't try driving 78 west at afternoon rush, it backs up for miles around 287.

Close to home, there is Diamond Mill Pond, Cambell's Pond and Orange Reservoir in the reservation.They all have fish in them.

Echo Lake in Mountainside is also a nice place. The middle pond has easy access and had plenty of sunfish, bass and catfish last time I was there. There's also a playground if they get tired of fishing and they are younger.

I've seen folks drop a line into the skating pond in SO. Watched a kid take a little sunny out of there. There's also about a 4 foot snapping turtle in there somewhere if you want some real action.

The duck pond in Memorial Park also has big sunfish and a couple bass in. Not sure if fishing is allowed, but should be fine for kids catch and release. There was a kid there a couple weeks ago and I dug up a worm for him. HIs hooks were too big, but he was excited to get a bite.

You should keep NJ Fishing license laws in mind as well:

http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/fishneed.htm

Another option closer to home is Lake Surprise http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Surprise_(New_Jersey)

I have fished there a few times, its a nice peaceful location and I believe it was recently drained and refilled in 2014.

And for fishing license, super easy to order and print out on the web. http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/fishneed.htm

Great thread - thanks for posting!

June 13, you can fish without a license. I'm not sure if you need a license to help kids bait hooks or release fish.

http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/ffd.htm

I am under the impression one does not need a license to find at the reservoir or the lake in Verona.

gerryl said:
I am under the impression one does not need a license to find at the reservoir or the lake in Verona.

No, you need a license. Odds are you won't be checked, but those lakes aren't exempt except for state wide free fishing days.

This is from the link above:

Anyone age 16 and older must have a valid license (see Exceptions) to fish the fresh waters of New Jersey with handline, rod and line, or longbow and arrow. This includes privately owned lakes and other waters.

I'd like to teach my kids to fish but am no expert myself. What's the easiest way to get started / learn how to do it, or any beginner tips here? I don't think I have any equipment either so could use some tips there. Any suggestions? Thanks!!

JK7B said:
The duck pond in Memorial Park also has big sunfish and a couple bass in.

I've seen them bass in there too. I was thinking of going over there this weekend with one of these:

Vivaldo said:
I'd like to teach my kids to fish but am no expert myself. What's the easiest way to get started / learn how to do it, or any beginner tips here? I don't think I have any equipment either so could use some tips there. Any suggestions? Thanks!!

We have some old rods and reels in good condition that you are welcome to have. PM me and I will send you our address.

I have seen a number of folks fishing in the reservoir near the swan boats and McLoone's Boathouse. There are even 5 or 6 breaks in the planting at the water's edge that are marked "fishing area".

xavier67 said:

JK7B said:
The duck pond in Memorial Park also has big sunfish and a couple bass in.

I've seen them bass in there too. I was thinking of going over there this weekend with one of these:

They are too small. You should try the carp in Diamond Mill Pond!

Vivaldo said:
I'd like to teach my kids to fish but am no expert myself. What's the easiest way to get started / learn how to do it, or any beginner tips here? I don't think I have any equipment either so could use some tips there. Any suggestions? Thanks!!

Get some equipment, preferably a push button reel rather than a spinner, put some split shot and a bobber on the line with no hook, and practice casting in the yard. Bad casts/hooks where you don't want them are the #1 game killers for kids fishing.

Teach them to cast sidearm, not over head.

Teach yourself an easy knot.

When you actually go out, just use bobbers with fake worms- the stuff called Gulp! is remarkable in effectiveness and not super gross.

Find a place with a nice clear shore line- avoid lots of trees and bushes. Keeps you away from snagged with errant casts- and there will be errant casts!

Make sure you have needle nose pliars or a hook remover in case something swallows a hook. Using bigger hooks will minimize this but also make it harder to catch smaller stuff.

Be respectful as much as you can to other anglers. Don't be on top of where they are fishing. Move from area to area and try your luck.

Early morning is best imo. Dusk works too but early morning always feels so good and you'll likely have the water largely to yourself

Above all, have fun. It's an easy pass time and you can get as into it or as casual about it as you want. Some of the best memories I have is being out early morning just enjoying being outside without catching a thing.

Lots of good info there. Berkley honey worms are great for sunfish. You can get them in a little jar at Dick's.

Use small hooks size 8 or 6 I think. If you can't get the hook out easily, it's better to cut the line and let it rust than to force it, ripping the fish's throat.